Beard and Mustache Championship

Didn’t know competitive bearding was a thing? Well then, prepare to have your mind blown. Hosted by the Philadelphia Beard & Mustache Club, the East Coast’s first regional competition will deviate far beyond your standard pencil stache, goatee and mutton chops as contestants compete in categories like “Full Beard Natural,” “Styled Mustache” and fan favorite, “Freestyle Beard.” There will even be two female categories: “Fake Beard Most Realistic” and “Fake Beard Most Creative.” Winners will be determined by an esteemed panel of facial-hair enthusiasts, including the former Action News reporter with the killer stache, Don Polec. Keeping you entertained while votes are tallied will be vendors, raffles and a performance by Olde City Sideshow. If you’re thinking this all sounds ridiculous, you’re absolutely right. But the ridiculous will not be in vain as a large portion of the event’s proceeds will be donated to local nonprofit animal shelter Operation Ava. -Nicole Finkbiner